– Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake

Member countries of the SAARC now have the opportunity to invest in the Colombo International Financial City and enjoy benefits from the emerging economy of Sri Lanka, Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake said.

Addressing the 8th SAARC Finance Ministers’ meeting held in Islamabad in Pakistan on August 26th, Minister Karunanayake invited SAARC nations to partner with Sri Lanka and invest in business ventures in Colombo International Financial City for its strategic geographical location.

The sentiments are based on the tremendous progress made by the Asian countries during the recent years coupled with the ever expanding opportunities on offer to enhance the economic standings of SAARC nations. This century provides Asia an equal playing field to seek and conquer many challenges in securing success and prosperity economically, which had been eluding us for many decades and of course somewhat deprived as well in the past, Minister Karunanayake said.

Addressing the Summit, Minister Karunanayake further said:
“I wish to elaborate on the new dimension of democracy unfolding in Sri Lanka since our government on a platform of good governance and transparency took office in the 2015. We created political history in formulating a government of national unity with the traditional rival political entities resolving to positively indulge in solving political, economic, national and social issues, which had festered over many long years.

Draconian and dictatorial powers previously vested on a most powerful Presidency had been whittled down, independent commissions installed and most importantly a Bill on Right to Information had been enacted. The value of unity which provides not only the essence but also serves as a catalyst to reach positive results beyond traditional boundaries for the betterment of a nation is exemplified by our progress.

As you may remember Sri Lanka has waded through a protracted internal strife extending to over three decades culminating in 2009, faced a devastating Tsunami in 2004 and also weathered the rule of a regime which brought down the economy through extravagant capital spending on non-profitable projects. Our government is fully aware of the issues of concern and look forward to extending hands of friendship to all nations, positively evaluating bilateral and multi-lateral free trade and economic agreements in creating win-win options”.

“We are greatly indebted to your great nation for the assistance provided to us during difficult times that we had to endure in the past and the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the delegation from Sri Lanka coupled with the outstandingly excellent arrangements ensuring our stay here an unforgettable experience.

As we all are aware of, we had witnessed many instances of loss of life and limb and major collateral damage to people of many member nations during the recent past and I convey my deepest condolences all such victims on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka”, Minister Karunanayake concluded.